STRATHAM –The New Hampshire SPCA has been receiving an unusually high number of calls pertaining to dogs left outside without shelter during the recent extremely cold weather.

Pet owners should be advised that pets left outside in extreme temperatures without food, water and shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Furthermore, it is the law.

Dogs and cats feel the effects of winter weather as much as we do and are too often cast outside to weather the storm due to misconceptions that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering. Short haired dogs are particularly at risk and should never be left outside without supervision. It is extremely important for people to bring their pets indoors when the temperatures drop to extreme cold.

Additionally, NH State law requires domestic animals being left outside to be provided adequate shelter. Pet owners can face cruelty charges if their animals are left to suffer and/or die from being left out in the cold.

Shelter is described under RSA 644:8 as “a natural or artificial area which provides protection from the direct sunlight and adequate air circulation when that sunlight is likely to cause heat exhaustion or a dog tied or caged outside. Shelter from the weather shall allow the dog to remain clean and dry. The shelter shall be structurally sound and have an area within to afford the dog the ability to stand up, turn around, and lie down and be of proportionate size as to allow the dog to retain its body heat” The last part is the most important in winter months.

One common misconception is that leaving a garage door open about a foot or so to allow the dog to go inside is adequate. While the garage would allow the dog to get out of the wind and snow it is not of proportionate size for the dog to retain its body heat in a garage. Therefore, an open garage is not adequate shelter and puts a dog at risk.

The NHSPCA would like to provide pet owners with the following tips on keeping their pets healthy and safe during extreme temperatures. They are recommendations, but are not required by State law as it is currently written.

-- Keeping your dog inside is the best tip of all. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, protect them from the winter weather. Give them a clean, dry, draft free place to go. The floor should be raised up off the ground and shavings or bedding can be added to provide additional warmth and comfort.

-- Make sure they get plenty of water and food. Pets kept outdoors need extra food and water due to the depletion of energy caused by working to keep warm.

-- Short haired breeds should use a sweater or coat with a high collar or turtle neck that covers from the base of the tail to the belly.

-- Dogs should not be left outside for extended periods or left to lie down in the snow or on cold asphalt driveways or porches.

-- Animals are our companions and belong in our homes and in our lives. Just because you have a back yard doesn’t mean your pet should be restricted to it. Take the time to teach them house manners and socialize them to the world of your property. You will discover you have the best possible companion.

If you see a dog or horse outdoors without shelter this time of year, please make a call to your local animal control officer, police department or humane society.

State laws pertaining to shelter:

NH Laws for Shelter can be found in RSA 644:8 of the Criminal Codes.

NH Chapter 435 can be found on line for the proper care and treatment of horses in NH.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 am – 5pm on Monday, Friday, and Saturday, Sunday, 11am-4pm, 11 am – 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org.